About Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

The Sistine Chapel, housed within the Vatican Museums, showcases some of the world’s most amazing artworks, including Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, alongside masterpieces by other Renaissance artists. 

Vast Collections and Spaces of the Vatican Museums

Spanning over 42,000m², the Vatican Museums display more than 20,000 artworks, with thousands more in storage. The vast collection includes exceptional ancient Roman and Greek sculptures alongside important historical and religious artifacts, making it one of the richest and most diverse art museums in the world. 

Michelangelo’s Artworks

Michelangelo, originally a sculptor, hesitated to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling but spent four years creating vivid Genesis scenes like The Creation of Adam. Later, he painted The Last Judgment on the altar wall depicting Christ’s second coming and the final judgement of souls. 

Beyond the Ceiling: Frescoes on the Walls

While the ceiling draws crowds, the side walls showcase frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino, and others. These artworks depict Moses and Jesus, highlighting the connection between the Old and New Testaments and enriching the chapel’s biblical storytelling.